Alongside its three new Pixel 9 devices, Google also presented a new foldable smartphone that is arriving for the first time in France. This smartphone is the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The device integrates the design and most of the new features of the Google Pixel 9, 9 Pro and 9 XL in a foldable format.
Its general design – in any case the formula chosen for this foldable experience – is somewhat reminiscent of the Xiaomi Mi Fold 4. Namely, overall a worthy member of the Pixel 9 Pro series; which, unlike the others, can open to reveal a huge 8-inch latest generation screen, all with 120 Hz refresh rate.
Until now, the range of foldable smartphones available in France has remained limited overall – Google's arrival in the arena is therefore excellent news, especially with such a level of premium services.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is coming in September with other new products from the brand such as the Google Watch 3, the Pixel Buds Pro 2, and the standard Pixel 9 Pro. Obviously, Google is looking for excellence here, while keeping the price down. It was therefore to be expected that the price would be rather high. And the prices, precisely, here they are:
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold 256 GB: 1 899.00€
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold 512 GB: 2 029.00€
The Pixel Pro Fold is available for pre-order in Porcelain or Volcanic Black. Until September 5, it benefits from an introductory offer: the 512 GB model is priced at the same price as the 256 GB variant. Namely €1,899.00. A trade-in offer is also available, including a €300 promotional offer, in addition to the buy-back offer for your device.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is available on the Google Store, and from most of the usual retailers.
| Pixel 9 Pro Fold | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | – 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5 mm (folded) – 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm (unfolded) |
| Weight | – 257 g |
| Waterproofing | – IPX8 |
| External screen | – 6.3” – 2424 x 1080, 20:9 aspect ratio, 486 DPI – HDR |
| Internal screen | – 8” – 2076 x 2152, 373 DPI – 1-120 Hz – HDR |
| Audio | – 2 stereo speakers – No 3.5 mm jack |
| Puce | – Google Tensor G4 – Titan M2 security coprocessor |
| Storage | – 256/512 GB (non-expandable) – UFS 3.1 |
| Android version | – Android 14 (and later) – 7 years of updates |
| RAM | – 16 GB |
| Battery | – 4 650 mAh |
| Recharge | – 45 W (wired), PD3.0 – Fast wireless charging (18.5W) – Reverse charging |
| Main photo sensors | – 48 Mp – 10.5 Mp (wide angle, macro)< br /> – 10.5 Mp (5x telephoto lens) |
| Selfie sensors | – 10 Mp (internal) – 10 Mp (external) |
| Wireless connectivity | – NFC – Bluetooth 5.3 – Wifi 7 |
| Security | – Fingerprints, Face Unlock, Code |
On the technical sheet side, the device looks a lot like the rest of the Pixel 9 range. It features the new Google Tensor G4 chip, 16 GB of RAM, and a slew of new AI features powered by this hardware platform and the latest Gemini models.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000On the durability side, we have an IPX8 certification, so without the “6” of the other variants which would imply real dust resistance. This format is still in a quest for maturity among all manufacturers who are still clearly improving each year their ability to repel elements that can jam their hinge and damage their ultra-thin LPTO panel designed to be able to fold and unfold many times.
Beyond its technical capabilities, the device is, like the others in the series, marked by AI and deep integration of Gemini. With execution of certain models locally to better protect users' privacy.
We therefore find Gemini Live, to speak naturally with the brand's models, almost as if it were a human interaction. But also Pixel Screenshot, which facilitates the collection of information online, but also on all smartphone applications.
Added to this is a brand new weather experience – with generation of detailed bulletins on demand. And a whole series of other new features, of which image generation is obviously a part.
For the photo in the Pixel 9 Pro series, there is no doubt that it is the XL model that is, by far, the best equipped. Foldable smartphones are comparatively less good in this regard, simply because these devices are particularly dense concentrations of technology. Their manufacture is complex, therefore expensive (photo sensors are relatively expensive to integrate).
Not to mention the higher number of sensors. Which in any case leads to high sales prices, prices to which are added all the most premium features that the firm would like to integrate. A compromise is therefore necessary, for all manufacturers. The one offered by Google this year with its Pixel 9 Pro Fold seems quite good.
Even if here again, only our test will give the final verdict. Because it must be emphasized that it is less the number of megapixels than the size of the photosites that decides the final quality of the shots. To which are added the AI algorithms that have always been excellent at giving superb shots in all conditions, even with modest sensors in the Pixel series.
And that, foldable format requires, the user is provided with more options. On the back, the main sensor is therefore 48 Mp, as on the rest of the Pixel 9 series. But, the two sensors that follow (wide angle and 5x telephoto) are, announces the brand, respectively 10.5 Mp and 10.8 Mp. There are also two selfie sensors (internal and another on the cover) of 10 Mp.
If the first foldable smartphones from all manufacturers had the reputation of being quite thick devices, over time, things have improved. As evidenced by this Pixel 9 Pro Fold which manages to practically reach 10 mm thick (10.5 mm) once folded. Unfolded, we are more on the ultra-thin side, with only 5.1 mm.
In itself, the efforts of brands to develop thinner smartphones every year (to the point of excess that led to the famous flexgate at an ultra-famous competitor) make a lot of sense with folding devices. Even if thinness is only one of the many development challenges for manufacturers who venture into manufacturing this type of device.
More broadly, we are on relatively flat edges and a familiar design language that sticks to the rest of the range. With the notable difference of this double insert in the island that houses the photo sensors.
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